The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, announced on Monday, October 12 2026, that Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, will serve as the new Oyo chief of staff. At the same time, Aderonke Adedayo was elevated to director‑general of the newly created Due Process Office while she continues as special adviser on general intervention and donor agencies. Both appointments were signed by Secretary to the State Government Professor Musibau Babatunde and took effect immediately.
New chief of staff’s background
Akinwole is a veteran grassroots politician who previously chaired the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission. In that role he oversaw the coordination of local government functions and was known for his hands‑on approach to service delivery. The governor’s office says his experience in local administration will help streamline the governor’s agenda across the state’s ministries and agencies.
Dual role for the adviser
Adedayo, who has been Makinde’s special adviser on general intervention and donor agencies, now leads the Due Process Office as its director‑general. The office is tasked with ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation of state resources and in monitoring project implementation. According to the announcement, she will retain her advisory duties while adding the new responsibilities, a move meant to maintain continuity in donor relations and policy oversight.
Governor Makinde praised both appointees in a brief statement, urging them to show “loyalty, commitment and dedication” in their new positions. He stressed that their work should contribute to “effective service of Oyo State” and help advance the administration’s development plans. The governor’s remarks were directed at the broader civil service, signaling an expectation of heightened performance across the board.
The appointment letters, signed by Professor Musibau Babatunde, the Secretary to the State Government, formalised the changes. The documents confirm that the changes are part of an ongoing restructuring of Makinde’s administration, aimed at sharpening focus on governance and service delivery.
Why the reshuffle matters
Makinde’s second term has been marked by a series of policy initiatives, ranging from education reforms to infrastructure projects. By placing a seasoned local government figure at the helm of his office, the governor appears to be reinforcing his connection to grassroots concerns. Observers note that the chief of staff’s role is key in coordinating the governor’s schedule, managing cabinet meetings and ensuring that policy decisions are communicated effectively to the public.
Adedayo’s expanded portfolio reflects the state’s increasing reliance on donor funding for health, education and rural development programmes. The Due Process Office, though still in its infancy, is expected to monitor the flow of these funds and to provide regular reports to both the governor and external partners. Keeping her as special adviser ensures that relationships with donor agencies remain steady while the new office gains operational footing.
The restructuring comes as Oyo State continues to grapple with challenges such as unemployment, infrastructure deficits and the need for more transparent governance. Analysts suggest that the appointments could signal a push for greater efficiency in public service delivery, though they caution that success will depend on how quickly the new officials can embed themselves within existing structures.
Reactions from stakeholders
Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have welcomed the changes, describing them as “a positive step toward stronger executive coordination.” Civil society groups, while acknowledging the potential benefits, called for the Due Process Office to publish its operational guidelines within the next three months to assure the public of its accountability mechanisms.
Donor agencies operating in Oyo have expressed confidence in Adedayo’s continued involvement, noting that her familiarity with donor expectations will aid in the smooth transition of responsibilities. A spokesperson for a major international development partner said the agency looks forward to working closely with the new director‑general to ensure that projects meet both local needs and funding criteria.
Next steps for the administration
The governor’s office indicated that both appointees will receive orientation sessions within the next two weeks to align their teams with the state’s strategic priorities. Akinwole is expected to convene an inaugural meeting of senior staff to set the agenda for the coming months, while Adedayo will launch a review of ongoing donor‑funded projects to identify any gaps in compliance.
As the reshuffle settles, Oyo residents will watch for any changes in service delivery, especially in areas where the governor’s administration has promised faster road construction and improved health facilities. The new chief of staff and director‑general are set to play key roles in translating those promises into concrete actions.
The administration has not disclosed any further changes at this stage, but officials hinted that additional appointments could be announced later in the year as part of a broader effort to strengthen governance structures across Oyo State.
